Aug 8, 2013

Twenty five cows experience true freedom for the first time as they are released from the dark barn they've known their whole lives and head for open pasture. The hop, they skip, they run and play... and it's just one of the most heart-warming videos ever.

These cows were destined for the slaughterhouse after the dairy farm they were at was forced to shut down for economic reasons. Some of the people who knew these gentle creatures couldn't bear the thought of that, so they started a foundation just to save them.

I saw this video going around Facebook and did some extra digging around, because a story like this deserves to be shared, and shared well. See below the video for more about the cows (they all even have names!).

The foundation, called Kuhrettung Rhein-Berg, is based in Germany. Their website has lots more information (which is in German, but Google Translate saved the day there). Turns out the way they are supporting these cows is by having people "sponsor" them. There are tons of cute pictures on the site of each one, and how close they are to being fully sponsored.

Oh my......a wonderful way to start the morning. They were so cute the way they ran, jumped and played. Pure joy!!! May the cows live a long life. God bless everyone who is helping them have such a good life now.

OMC it doz a body good to see such happy moo cows! I hab seen plenty of happy cows in pastures but to see freedom like dis fur 1st time iz pawsum (not all dairy farmers confine/abuse der cows to barns 24/7....poor moos). SO glad dey were saved from slaughterhouse!

I come from Oklahoma and grew up on a farm where we had milk cows, raised calves, had all sorts of animals. I loved each and every cow, calf and bull that we raised. We also raised white-face cows and bulls for the table, but was so very difficult to see them go to slaughter. They all became my family and friends. All the animals. Thank you for sharing this.............

I was also brought up on a working farm (not a large one) and during the war time as a small child, I used to help my Gram make butter, separate the milk - the old way, and was 'always in the way' but she never complained and allowed me to help with the chores. She went to the Marketplace every weekend by public demand for veggies, fruit, breads, relishes and you just name it. I loved bringing the cows home from one pasture up the highway and to the barn for milking - always had one favorite for milk for 'my very own kitty'

Very joyful, happy cows - we didn't have that many but they had a lovely pasture with shelters in the trees. These are having such a wonderful time after being cooped up and not having been outside....beautiful to see although sometimes the winter was too much for ours.

Thanks Dorian for letting us watch this video of happy cows. Being Swiss, I have a special connection to cows.Seeing them jumping around made me very homesick... Those shown here are so lucky to have been saved.

My heart is in my throat!! Don't tell me animals do not have feelings. These cows are proof by their skipping and running in the field enjoying life!! We destroy life like it is nothing. I am so happy for foundations and generous people like this. Bless them. Live free cows!!

I agree with mmckoriet... we destroy life like it is nothing. This was the BEST video I think I have ever seen! Such joy; they are so sweet and deserve life with their families, just as we do. I have such a hard time understanding how humans can be so cruel. I pray that God or whatever higher being is out there will soon give all animals peace and joy.

Hello! We made the video from the cows, and I wanted to share, that there is now a second part, which we hope you will also like, about the saved cows, and their ongoing live...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pDCDdx4XuU

Greetings! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I truly enjoy reading through your blog posts.Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same topics?Thank you!